Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor in a rod making machine for the production of smokers' articles. It includes an accelerating drum adapted to propel tobacco into a rod conveyor in order to build the tobacco filler. Blown air is utilized to transport the tobacco, particularly to sift the tobacco being sucked up through the air suction bores in the shell of the accelerating drum and through its hollow core which constitutes a suction chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for forming a tobacco filler, said apparatus being adapted to ensure gentle transport of a tobacco stream through an arcuate duct in the distributor of a cigarette rod making machine and into a tobacco channel which is located below a rod conveyor. The wall of the arcuate duct is provided with compressed air admitting means which extend along the wall of and into the duct in the direction of transport of the tobacco stream and generate a current advancing along the wall of the duct to entrain and accelerate the tobacco.

Abstract: A tobacco stream building channel wherein the bottom wall between two parallel side walls consists of groups of bars which are alternately inclined at an oblique angle in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the channel. A suction chamber is disposed below and one stretch of an endless foraminous belt travels above the bottom wall. A distributor showers tobacco particles into the channel; such particles are attracted to the moving belt and form a growing stream which is thereupon converted into the filler of a cigarette rod. The aforementioned orientation of bars which constitute the bottom wall of the channel reduces or eliminates noise which is generated when the bars extend at right angles to the direction of movement of the belt.